Good Friday

Jesus never says "I am finished." On Good Friday, Jesus’ says, “It is finished.” These words resound with victory, not defeat. The words are not to be confused with Porky Pig's famous "That's all folks," this is not the end. It is a new beginning. With the words "It is finished", Jesus declares that his mission has been completed, a mission that stretches all the way back to the fall of man in Genesis 3.

From the moment Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, the path to God was sealed. God placed cherubim with flaming swords to guard the way, declaring that humanity could not return to His presence until all things were healed. For generations, the hope remained that a deliverer would come to restore what was lost. From the hopeful birth of Cain to the promise of Noah, humanity longed for relief from the curse of sin. Even Israel, God’s chosen people, built a temple to reflect Eden’s beauty, but the curtain in the temple stood as a constant reminder that the way to God was still sealed.

But when Jesus cried, “It is finished,” everything changed. The path to God was unsealed because Christ had completed the work of redemption. Jesus, the Creator of life, breathed his last breath on a cross. The One who had once commanded the cherubim to guard the way, now removed that barrier forever. As Matthew 27:51 records, the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

In his perfect righteousness, Jesus took on the penalty of our sin, and in doing so, He removed the separation between God and man. He was forsaken so that we would never be forsaken. The curtain was torn, and with it, the barrier between us and God was gone.

As we reflect on the work of Christ, let us consider our union with Him. Do we long to know God? The way has been made through Jesus, and it is finished. Let us respond in worship and obedience, proclaiming His death until He returns.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for finishing the work that only you could—tearing the veil and opening the way back to the Father. On the cross, You were forsaken so I would be received, and in Your final breath You declared my freedom. Help me live each day in light of that victory, not striving for what has already been won. Let my life be a response of worship, shaped by the wonder that it is finished.